Sachse Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Aggravated Assault on Collin County Police Officers

A Sachse man has been handed a 30-year sentence for the shotgun ambush of local police officers. District Attorney Greg Willis's office prosecuted the case that ended with Josiah Perez, 27, found guilty of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon against a Public Servant, as reported by the Collin County District Attorney’s office.

The violent encounter, which took place back in September 2022, began when Perez approached a parked squad car and fired his short-barreled shotgun into the window. Officer Cory Bable, who was in the driver's seat, suffered injuries to his head, neck, and back from the glass and birdshot. In an attempt to save both their lives, Bable managed to push the shotgun away and to try wrestle it from Perez, according to official statements.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Brent Merryman, who was seated on the passenger side, engaged in a firefight with Perez, hitting him twice. Undeterred, Perez moved around to the passenger side of the vehicle to continue his assault but was ultimately subdued by Merryman's return fire. When Texas Rangers arrived on the scene, they found additional ammunition on Perez and no apparent motive for the attack, as the officers involved had not previously interacted with him.

At trial, testimony not just from the officers involved but also from two Mesquite police officers depicted a history of aggression, detailing a prior Dallas County conviction for Perez spitting in an officer's face. After considering the presented evidence, the jury opted to give a harsh sentence. "Perez ambushed officers from behind while they were pulled over completing their responsibilities on an unrelated call. We're so thankful for their brave and heroic actions, and this case is a reminder that there are no routine calls or routine days for a police officer," Willis stated as recounted on the District Attorney's news release.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashlyn Scott and Dewey Mitchell led the prosecution with the support of District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs. This sentence marks the culmination of a case that underscores the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers can face.